Photographic printing apparatus having variable length print paper

ABSTRACT

A photographic printing apparatus for printing a series of patterns of prints and including a film carrier for positioning film to have light projected through the frames thereof and along an optical axis for projecting images on printing paper positioned on a printing paper support. First and second lens sets are provided for selective movement into the optical axis for projecting respective first and second patterns of images onto the printing paper, such patterns occupying respective first and second lengths of such paper. Printing paper advance means is connected with the printing paper support and the first and second lens sets and is responsive to the first lens set being moved into such optical axis to advance the printing paper the first length and is responsive to the second lens set being moved into the optical axis to advance the paper such second length whereby the respective first and second patterns of prints may be printed on the printing paper at immediately adjacent locations.

United States Patent Livingood 1 Sept. 5, 1972 [5 PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTINGPrimary Examiner-Samuel 8. Matthews APPARATUS HAVING VARIABLE AssistantExaminer-Richard A. Wintercom LENGTH PRINT PAPER Attorney-Fulwider,Patton, Rieber, Lee & Utecht [72] Inventor: James S. Livingood, Reseda,Calif. [57] ABSTRACT [73] Asslgnee: Dre-wry photfxolor Corpomuon Aphotographic printing apparatus for printing a series Burbank Calif ofpatterns of prints and including a film carrier for [22] Filed: Nov, 12,1970 positioning film to have light projected through the frames thereofand along an optical axis for projecting [21] Appl' 887680 images onprinting paper positioned on a printing paper support. First and secondlens sets are provided 52 us. Cl. ..3ss/46, 355/54, 355/64, forselective movement into the optical axis for p 3 5 5 7 jectingrespective first and second patterns of images 51 Int. Cl. ..G03h 27/44Onto the Priming P p such p r occupying [58] Field of Search ..355/46,54, 55, 64, 74, 53 respective first and Second lengths of Such PPrinting paper advance means is connected with the 5 References Citedprinting paper support and the first and second lens sets and isresponsive to the first lens set being moved UNITED STATES PATENTS intosuch optical axis to advance the printing paper the first length and isresponsive to the second lens set being moved into the optical axis toadvance the paper 3283648 11/1966 Fmese x such second length whereby therespective first and 3169441 2/1965 Johns); X second patterns of printsmay be printed on the print- 3:212:396 10/1965 Schwardt et a:l::::355/46 x mg paper at 'medately adjacent locanons' START 8MP CQNYkMCGNTR L 13 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTING APPARATUSHAVING VARIABLE LENGTH PRINT PAPER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Fieldof the Invention The photographic printing apparatus of presentinvention relates to printing devices for printing a plurality ofdifferent sized prints from the same film negative.

2. Description of the Prior Art In certain areas of commercialphotography it is common practice to photograph individuals, such asschool pupils, to form negatives on a reel of film. They may then ordera certain combination of different sized prints to be printed from thenegatives. Since different orders may specify different combinations ofprints it is desirable to have a photographic apparatus which can be setto automatically print selected combinations of prints of a plurality ofdifferent negatives. Photographic printing devices have been proposedfor printing different combinations of prints from the respectivenegatives as shown in US. Pat No. 3,169,441. However, photographicprinting devices of this type provide for FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic viewof the photographic printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an electrical system which may be incorporatedin the photographic apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT General Description the printingpaper being advanced the same distance SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thepresent invention is characterized by a photographic printing apparatuswhich includes a printing paper support for positioning a continuousstrip of printing paper and which is advanced different distancesdepending on the particular lengths of printing paper occupied by thepattern of prints just printed and the length of paper to be occupied bythe pattern of prints to be printed in the next printing.

An object of the present invention is to provide a photographic printingapparatus of the type described which provides for a wide selection ofdifferent sizes and various combinations of prints.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a photographicprinting apparatus of the type described which will automatically printa selected selection of prints from one negative and will then advanceto the next negative and print a selected combination of prints thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the photographicprinting apparatus of present invention includes, generally, a cabinet21 which mounts a plurality of lens sets 23, 25, 27 and 29 which areselectively moved into an optical axis 30 by means of a lens turretdrive motor 31. Still referring generally to FIG. 6, a film carrier 35is provided for positioning a film strip 37 for disposition in theoptical axis 30 and a printing paper support 41 is provided forpositioning printing paper 43 for disposition in such optical axis 30. Aprinting paper metering motor 45 is provided for controlling advancementof the printing paper 43 and a paper advance selector logic 49 isresponsive to the sequence of lens sets 23, 25, 27 and 29 selected forsequential movement into the optical axis 30 to advance difierentlengths of printing paper 43 depending on the particular disposition ofthe images to be projected on the printing paper 43 and the particularcombinations or subcombinafions selected for printing.

FIGS. Sa-g depict the various combinations of prints which may beprinted from the lens sets 23, 25, 27 and 29, it being realized that thepattern of prints shown in FIG. 5e, f and g are merely a portion of theprints shown in 5d with the the remainder of such prints having not beenprinted. The patterns shown in FIGS. Sa-g are arranged crosswise on thepaper 43 and are 10, 8, 7, 7, 7, 3% and 3% inches in length,respectively.

FILM CARRIER 35 The film carrier 35 is of the type shown in US. Pat. No.3,511,565 and includes a rotary turret 42 formed with a central aperturefor passage of light propagated along the optical axis 30. The rotaryturret 42 mounts an elongated frame 44 which carries a film feed spool46 on one end and a film take-up spool 47 on the opposite end. The filrntake-up spool 47 is driven by a slow speed synchronous motor 50controlled by a film advance control 53.

LENS TURRET 55 The lens sets 23, 25, 27 and 29 are carried from a lensturret, generally designated 55, and include optics for producingtherespective pattern images depicted in FIGS. 5a, 50, 5d and 5e.

PRINT PAPER ADVANCE 41 With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, theprinting paper support 41 is mounted in the enclosed upper portion 58 ofthe cabinet 21 and includes a feed roll 61 which feeds paper through aseries of idler rollers and through the optical axis 30 to a drivencontrol roller 63 carried on the drive shaft of the drive motor 45, suchpaper being held in frictional engagement with such roller by means of apressure roller 65. The printed paper 43 is taken up on a take-up roller67 and both the feed roller 61 and take-up roller 67 are held underconstant tension by respective magnetic clutches (not shown) to therebyenable the metering roller 63 to closely control advancement of thepaper. The printing paper metering motor 45 is preferably of the typewhich advances a predetermined distance for each electrical impulseimposed thereon. In the embodiment shown the metering motor 45 advancesone full revolution for every 200 electrical impulses imposed thereonthe metering roller 63 has a ten inch circumference to thereby providefor an advance of ten inches of printing paper each time the meteringmotor 45 advances one revolution. Motors of this type are availableunder the trade name SLO SYN, Model No. 88400-1021.

LIGHT MASKS 71 and 73 The bottom wall of the printing paper compartment58 (FIG..1) includes an 8 X 10 inch aperture 60 (FIG. 3) having foursmaller apertures 62 disposed along one side thereof. Since the lenssets 23, 25, 27 and 29, for printing the various patterns of printsshown in FIGS. Sa-f must be disposed centrally in the optical axis 30,the shorter patterns of prints will also be disposed with their combinedcenter disposed in the optical axis 30 thereby leaving small lengths ofprinting paper 43 in front of and behind such patterns which are exposedin light projected through the apertures 60 and 62. In order toselectively block out of this unwanted light we provide a pair of lightmasks 71 and 73 disposed on the opposite sides of the aperture patternfound by the aperture 60 and 62. Referring to FIG. 3, the masks 71 and73 include respective gear racks 81 and 83 thereunder which are engagedby respective drive gears 85 and 87 carried on the drive shafts of slowspeed synchronous drive motors 91 and 93.

A light source 94 is mounted in the lower portion of the cabinet and isselectively energized to project light upwardly along the light axis 30.Each exposure in the printing apparatus is controlled by means of ashutter device, generally designated 101, and including a bottom wallformed with an aperture 103 disposed in the optical axis 30 and havinglight therethrough controlled by a rotary shutter 105. The rotaryshutter 105 is driven by a shutter drive motor 107. l

SELECTOR UNITS 12la-g Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, unit selectors 121a,121b, 121e, 121d, 121e, 121f and 121g are provided for the respectiveprint patterns Sa-g and are generally in the form of rotary switcheshaving a plurality of control contact discs mounted on the shaftsthereof. Still referring to FIG. 7, the unit selectors each includerespective turret selector discs 141a-g controlling current torespective parallel connected lens turret position relays 145a, c, d andf and respective unit selector relays l49a-g which include respectivecontacts 150a, b, e, f and g. The units selector relays 149a-g controlcurrent to respective stepper count coils 151a-g and/or mash motors 91and/or 93. The count coils 151a-g control respective electromechanicalcounters 152 (FIG. 6) that count the number of prints selected for eachparticular combination and then close respective step, or count-out,contacts 153a-g after the selected number of prints have been printed.The turret position relays 145a, c, d and f control respective relays146a, c, d and f which control current to the respective count relays151a, c, d, and f. The selector count-out contacts l53ag control currentto respective relay coils 157a-g which control respective reset contacts159a-g, transfer contacts 160ag, and print paper advance logic contacts162a-g. The counter reset contacts l59a-g are connected in series withrespective stepper reset coils 161a-g which reset the electromechanicalcount unit to 0" position. Relay coil 157ag also controls contacts163a-g which provide electrical impulses through stepper discs a-g to alead 160 leading to the film advance control 53.

MASK CONTROL CIRCUIT 170 Also coupled with the unit selector relay coils149ag is a mask control circuit, generally designated 170, that includesmask control contacts 17la-g connected with the respective coils 149a-gto control current through respective leads 173bg connected withselective ones of the mask control motors 91 and 93.

PRINT PAPER ADVANCE LOGIC 49 The unit selector relay coils 149a-g alsoare coupled with parallel connected printing paper advance resetcontacts 181a-g and paper advance pulse contacts 183a-g which controlcurrent to the logic circuit 49. The reset switches 181a-g controlcurrent to one side of respective coils 187a, b, c, f and g which arealso controlled by the logic circuits formed through respective magneticlatch relays, generally'designated 189, 191, 193, and 199. Current tothe logic circuits set up through the relays 189, 191, 193, 195 and 199is controlled by the logic contacts 162a-g. The paper advance pulsecontacts 183a-g control current to respective selector contacts 201 ofthe magnetic relays 189, 191, 193, 195 and 199.

One contact 205 of the switch 201 included in the relay 187a isconnected with the paper advance motor 45 by means of a lead 211. Theother contact 213 of such switch 201 of the relay 187a is connected inseries with a selector switch 215 controlled by a relay coil 217 andmovable between a first contact 219 and a second contact 221. Thecontact 219 is connected with the motor 25 by means of a lead 223 foradvancing the print paper 43 9 inches when such lead 223 is energized.The other contact 221 is connected with the motor 45 by means of a lead225 for advancing the print paper 5% inches.

The selector switch 201 of the relay l87b has its first contact 205connected with the drive motor 45 by means of a lead 229 for advancingthe print paper 43 8 inches. The other contact 213 of such switch isconnected with a selector contact 231 which is movable between a firstcontact 233 and a second contact 235, such selector contact beingcontrolled by a coil 236. The first contact 233 is connected with thedrive motor 45 by means of a lead 239 for advancing the paper 43 7inches. The other contact 235 is connected with the drive motor 45 bymeans of a lead 241 for advancing the printing paper 43 3 inches. Thefirst contact 205 of the switch 201 of the relay 187a is connected withthe lead 239 by means of a lead 245 and the second contact 213 isconnected with a selector contact 247 which has its one contactconnected with the lead 229 by means of a lead 249 and its other contactconnected with a lead 241 by means of a lead 251, the contact 247 beingcontrolled by a coil 252.

The contact 205 of the switch 201 in the relay 187f is connected withthe lead 241 by means of a lead 255 and the other contact 213 isconnected with a selector switch 257, controlled by a coil 258, onecontact of such switch being connected with the lead 229 by means of alead 259 and the other contact of such switch being connected with thelead 239 by means of a lead 260.

The first contact 205 of the switch 201 in the relay 187g is connectedwith the lead 241 by means of a lead 261 and the other contact 213 ofsuch switch is connected through a selector switch 263 to the motor 45by means of a lead 265 for advancing the printing paper 4 A inches. Theselector switch is controlled by a coil 266. Current to the coils 271,273, 275, 277 and 279 of the respective relays 189, 191, 193, 195 and199 is controlled by respective ones of selector switch discs 281a-gthat are also carried on the selector switch shaft.

Referring to FIG. 6, an interlock circuit 282 similar to that shown inUS. Pat. No. 3,169,441 is included in printing process when the printermalfunctions.

OPERATION In operation the strip of film 37 to be printed is positionedin the film carrier 35 and the operator sets the selector dials for theunit selectors 121a-g for the desired package of prints to be printed.Assuming the packages to be printed include one set of the prints shownin FIG. 5a, two sets of those shown in FIG, 5b, one set of those shownin FIGS. 5d and 5g, the dials for the respective units selectors 121a,121b, 121d and 121g are set accordingly with the remaining dialsremaining at zero. The start switch 291 (FIG. 7) is then depressed toprovide a start signal in the lead 293 and through a lead 295 to theturret position disc 141a and also through a lead 296 to the lefthandend of the reset relays 187 to switch the contacts to the left. Sincethe turret position disc 141a is set at one to assume the broken lineposition, a I circuit will be completed therethrough and to the unitselector relay coil 149a and the turret position relay coil 145aconnected in parallel therewith.

' Energization of the turret position relay closes count pulse contacts146a and also closes a set of contacts (not shown) to enable the lensturret motor 31 to rotate the lens turret 55 until the lens set 23 ismoved into the optical axis 30, at which point a microswitch 294 (FIG.6) engages a notch in such turret and drops open to discontinue currentflow to such motor 31. Concurrently, the counter contacts 150a will beclosed to complete a circuit path to the count coil 151a and to closethe reset contacts 181a and paper advance pulse contacts 183a.

The shutter 105 rotates continuously unless the interlock circuit 282 isopen and when the aperture 103 is opened, the light source 94 isenergized to project light along the optical axis through the lens set23 to project a large image through the large aperture 60 and four smallimages through the small apertures 62 and onto the print paper 43 toprint the pattern of prints shown in FIG. 5a. When such shutter 105rotates to its open position, it closes a relay 300 (FIG. 7) to providea count pulse in the pulse lead 301 and through the count coil 151a forenergization thereof. Energization of the stepper count coil 151 stepsthe associated mechanical counter (not shown) one unit and since onlyone set of prints shown in FIG. 5a were dialed into the selector unit121a the stepper count-out contacts 153a are closed thereby energizingthe count-out relay coil 157a to effect closure of the stepper resetcontacts 159a, turret transfer contacts 160a, and logic contacts 162a.

Closure of stepper reset contacts 159a energizes the stepper reset coil161a to reset the selector unit 121a back to zero to ready it for thenext package selection.

The count-out relay coil 157a also closes the film advance contacts 163ato provide a film advance pulse through the lead 305 to the film advancedisc 170b. However, since the unit selector 121b is not set at zero, thecircuit through such disc 170b is open to prevent passage of the filmadvance pulse. The paper advance relay selector discs 281a, b, d and fare all in position to complete circuits therethrough to the respectiverelay coils 271, 273, 275 and 277 to hold the respective relays 189,191, 193 and 195 in their energized broken line positions.

Closure of the logic contacts 162a provides current through leads 325,327, and 329 to the left hand end of the selector coil 187 of relay 187bto switch the selector contact 201 to the contact 205.

When the shutter rotates closed it engages a microswitch 331 disposedadjacent thereto to provide a paper advance pulse in the lead 333,through the paper advance pulse contacts 183b to the selector switch 201which is in contact with the contact 205 to thereby provide a pulsethrough the lead 229 to energize the metering motor 45 to rotate suchmotor sufficiently to advance the print paper 43 8 inches. The motor 45is of the type that rotates one full revolution in response to 200electrical pulses, so for this advancement an oscillator 500 (FIG. 6)feeds 160 pulses into such motor. A counter counts advancement of theprinting paper 43 and at the end of advancement thereof closes a switch341 to provide a reset pulse in the lead 343 leading to the resetcontacts 181!) to provide a current in the left hand side of the resetcoil 187b to assure that the selector switch 201 is closed on thecontact 205.

Closure of the transfer contacts 160a provides a pulse through leads351a and 353a to turret position disc 141k. Since the turret positiondisc 14lb has not been set at zero, a circuit is completed therethroughand through a lead 355 to the turret position relay a and also to theunit selector relay coil 14% to effect closure of the unit selectorcontact 1501) and mask selector contacts 171b. Closure of the maskcontacts 171b provides current through the lead 173b to mask motor 93 tocause such motor to rotate sufiiciently to shift the mask 73 inwardlyapproximately 2 inches to block light passage through the smallapertures 62 and permit light passage only through the aperture 60forming the large image on the print paper 43. When the shutter 105rotates to its open position to print the prints the count pulse switch300 is again closed to provide a count pulse in the lead 301 and throughthe closed contacts 146a and b to the stepper count coil 151b to causethe mechanical counter 152 coupled therewith to count the print beingprinted.

vide current in the lead 229 leading to the meteringmotor 45 to energizesuch motor and advance the metering paper 43 8 inches. At the end of thepaper advance cycle, the switch 341 will be closed to provide a resetpulse in the lead 343 and through the reset contacts 181 to the lefthand side of the relays coil 187 of the selector switch 201 included inthe relay 191 to assure that the selector switch 201 is positioned tocomplete a circuit through the contacts 205 for providing advancement ofan 8 inch length of print paper 43 for printing the next print.

When the shutter 105 starts another revolution the aperture 103 will beopened to effect printing of a second large print corresponding withFIG. 6 and such shutter will engage the microswitch 300 to provide acount pulse in the lead 301 and through the contacts 146a and 150b tothe stepper count coil 151b. Energization of the stepper count coil 15lbwill advance the mechanical counter 152 connected therewith and sinceprinting of the selected number of prints has been completed, thestepper count-out contacts 153b will be closed to energize the steppercount-out coil l57b to close the count-out contacts 162b. Closure of thereset contacts 15% will energize the reset coil l61b to reset themechanical counter at zero and also close the film advance contacts 153bto provide a pulse through the lead 305b to the film advance disc 1700.Since the unit selector 121c is set at zero the circuit will becompleted through the film advance disc 170c to the lead 305c leading tothe film advance disc 170d. However, since the fihn advance disc 170d isnot set at zero, there is an open circuit therethrough and the filmadvance circuit is not completed to the film advance motor 50.

Closure of the print paper logic contacts 162b pro- .vides currentthrough leads 342, 344 and 346 to the right hand end of the selectorcoil 187 of the relay 193 to switch the contact 201 to the contact 213.Closure of the transfer contacts 16% provides a transfer pulse in thelead 351!) and through the lead 353k to the turret position disc 1410and since the unit selector 121:: is set at zero, a circuit is completedthrough the disc 1410 to the lead 3530 so such pulse continues on to theturret selector disc 141d which communicates such pulse to the turretposition relay 145d and the unit selector relay coil 149d. Closure ofthe mask position contacts 171d provides current through the lead 173dto the mask drive motors 93 and 91 to move the respective masks 73 and71 in sufficiently far to block out 2 inches and 1 inch, respectively,on the print paper 43 to form a print pattern area on such paper whichis 7 inches long and is centered on the optical axis 30 for receipt of apattern of images for printing the pattern of prints shown in FIG. d.

Energization of the turret'positioning relay 149d enables the lensturret 55 to rotate until the lens set 27 is disposed in the opticalaxis 34 to project the pattern shown in FIG. 5d, at which time a switch390 (FIG. 6) disposed adjacent the turret 55 is opened to deenergize theturret drive motor 31.

For printing of the prints shown in 50 and 5d the film support isrotated to its normal position by means of a turret control 430 (FIG. 6)to orient the pictures lengthwise on the print paper 43.

Energization of the coil 149d effected closure of the contacts 181a and183a so when the shutter closes it closes contact 331 to provide aprinting paper advance pulse in through such contacts 183d, leads 201,247, 249 and 229 to the drive motor 45 to energize such motor andadvance the print paper 8 inches.

Closure of the logic contacts 162d provides current through a lead 371and through the relay 195 to a lead 375 leading to the right hand sideof the associated selector coil 187 to switch the selector contact 201of the relay 195 to the contact 213.

Closure of the turret transfer contacts 160d provides current throughthe leads 351d and 353d to the turret position disc 141s and since suchdisc is not at zero a circuit is completed therethrough to conduct thecurrent through the lead 353 to the turret position disc 141f toenergize the turret position relay f and unit selector relay 149f.Energization of the turret position relay 145f energizes the turretdrive motor to rotate the lens turret 55 to bring the lens set 29 intothe optical axis 130, at which time a control relay 398 (FIG. 6) isopened to deenergize such motor.

Energization of unit selector relay 149f effects closure of the unitselector contacts f, mask control contacts 171 resets contacts 181f, andpaper advance pulse contacts 183f. Closure of the mask control contacts171f provides current to the mask control motors 91 and 93 to maintainthe mask 73 moved inwardly 2 inches and to move the mask 71 in anadditional 3% inches to provide an aperture between such masks forprojection of a pattern of light to the print paper 43 which is 3%inches long as required for the pattern of prints shown in FIG. 5a.

Upon closure of the switch 331 by the shutter 105 a paper advance pulseis communicated through contacts 183f, leads 201, 213 and 259 toenergize the motor 45 to advance the printing paper 7 inches.

Closure of the microswitch 300 by the shutter 105 provides current inthe lead 301 into the contacts 146f and 150] to energize the steppercount coil 151f, to advance the associated mechanical counter 152 and,since only one print is to be printed, such counter effects closure ofthe stepper count-out contacts 153)" to energize the count coil 157f andeffect closure of the stepper reset contacts 159) and also the transfercontacts 160f and paper advance logic contacts 162f. Closure of the filmadvance contacts 163f provides a current in the lead 305f to the filmadvance disc f and, since such disc is set at zero to complete a circuitthrough such disc, such current will be communicated on through the filmadvance lead 169 to the film advance motor 50 to rotate such motorsufficiently to advance the film 37 one full frame.

Closing of paper advance logic contacts 162f provides a current pulsethrough the lead 391 and through the unenergized relay 199 to the lead393 and back to the first-mentioned relay 189 and, since such relay isenergized, to the lead 395 to the right hand end of the coil 187 of suchrelay to draw the associated contact 201 into engagement with thecontact 213.

A circuit is also completed from the lead 396 of the relay through theleads 397, 398, relay 189 and lead 399 to the coil 217 to switch thecontact 215 to the contact 221. Also, closure of the transfer contacts160f provides current in the lead 351f and 353f to the relay positiondisc 1413 and, since such disc is set at zero, through such disc to thelead 351g and back through the lead 293 to the position disc 141a tostart the cycle over again for the next package.

Energization of the unit selector coil 149a effects closure of the printpaper advance contacts 183a and when the shutter 105 closes the switch331, paper advance pulse is provided in the lead 333 through contacts183a to the associated selector contact 201, contact 213, switch contact215, contact 221, and through the lead 225 to the oscillator 210 toprovide for a print paper advance of inches. From this point on theprinting procedure is the same as described hereinabove. I

A particularly important feature of the printing apparatus of thepresent invention is that the selector units 121a-g may be set for anycombination of prints and the print cycle will automatically repeatitself. Thus, if it were desirable to print three sets of the pattern ofprints shown in FIG. 5a and one set of those shown in FIG. 5g, theselector units 121a and 121g would be set at three and one respectively.

The start button 291 would then be pressed to provide a start pulse inthe lead 293 to the turret position disc 141a to energize the relayselector coil 149a to close the unit selector relay contacts 150a toprovide a count pulse to the stepper count coil 151a to advance themechanical counter one unit. This start pulse is also communicatedthrough the lead 400 and reset contacts 181a-g to reset all the switches201 to the left. Since there is no current to the mask drive motors 91and 93, the masks 71 and 73 are retracted. The turret position relay145a is also closed to rotate the lens turret 55 to bring the lens set23 into the optical axis.

The unit selector relay 149a also closes the reset contacts 181a and thepaper advance pulse contacts 183a. The rotary shutter 105 will rotateopen to effect printing of the first pattern of prints and as it rotatesclosed it will close the microswitch 351 to provide a paper advancesignal in the lead 333 and through the contacts 183a to the selectorswitch 201 which is engaged with the contact 205. Such' signal will becommunicated through the contacts 201 to the lead 211 to energize thepaper metering motor 45 to advance the print paper 43 10 inches toprovide an entire 10 inch strip disposed in the optical axis 30 forhaving the images shown in FIG. 5a printed thereon. As the print paperadvance is completed, the microswitch 341 is closed to provide a resetsignal in the lead 343 and through the contacts 181a to energize theleft hand end of the coil 187 to maintain the contact 201 engaged withthe contact205. As the shutter 105 rotates through another rotation thefirst set of prints shown in FIG. 5a will be printed and when contacts341 are closed the left hand end of the coil 187a will be energized toswitch the contact 201 to the contact 205 and when the switch 331 isclosed after the second printing, the consequent paper advance pulsewill be routed through the lead 211 to advance the paper 43- 10 inches.

On the third printing in the print paper advance logic contacts 162awill be closed to provide a pulse through the lead 325 and since therelays 191, 193 and 195 are deenergized and open, such pulse will becommunicated through the leads 327, 403, 344, 407, 409 and 411 to theright hand side of the coil 187 in the relay 199 to switch the contact201 into engagement with the contact 213. On closure of the shutterafter the third printing the contacts 331 will be closed to route apaper advance pulse through the contacts 183g, contact 205 and 213 andleads 263 and 265 to energize the motor 45 and advance the paper 43 4%inches.

Closure of the count-out relay contacts 160a provides a signal throughthe leads 351a and 353a to the turret position disc 141b and throughsuch disc to the lead 353b and so on through the remaining discs 1410and d until the disc 141g is reached. Since the disc 141g is set at onethe transfer signal is communicated therethrough and into the unitselector relay 149g and to the turret position relay 145f. Energizationof the unit selector relay 149g effects closure of the unit selectorrelay contacts 150g, mask control contacts 171g, paper advance resetcontacts 181g and paper advance pulse contacts 183g. Closure of the maskcontrol contacts 171g energizes the mask drive motors 91 and 93 tomove'the respective masks 71 and 73 in 1 inch and 3 and one-half inches,respectively.

Closure of the paper advance pulse contacts 185g and production of thepaper advance pulse by closure of the switch 331 by closing of theshutter 105 provides current through the selector contacts 201 to thecontact 213 and through the contacts 263 to the lead 265 to rotate themetering motor 45 to advance the print paper 43 4% inches. At thecompletion of the print paper advance the reset contacts 183g are closedto energize the left hand end of the selector switch coil 187 to resetthe selector contacts 201 back to the contact 205 to set circuitry incase another printing were to be effected.

Closure of the logic contacts 162g provides current in lead 411 andthrough leads 413, 415, and 395 to the right end of the selector coil187 of the relay 189 to switch the associated contact 201 to the contact213.

Closure of the transfer contacts 160g provides a pulse through the lead293 to the turret position disc 141a to energize the turret positionrelay 145a and unit selector relay 149a thereby closing the unitselector contacts 150a, paper reset contacts 181a and paper advancepulse contacts 183a. Consequently, as the shutter 105 closes to closethe switch 331 and provides a paper advance pulse in the lead 333, suchpulse will be communicated to the selector contact 201 of the relay 189,to the contact 213, and through the contact 215 to the contact 219, andfinally through the lead 225 to the metering motor 45 to advance theprint paper 9 inches for printing of the next pattern of prints shown inFIG. 5a.

If the printing apparatus of the present invention were set to print thepatterns of prints shown in FIGS. 5b and 5f, it will be clear that therelay coils 273 and 277 of the respective relays 191 and 195 would beenergized to maintain such relays closed and the remaining relays wouldbe open. Consequently, current would be provided from tlie lead 396 fromthe relay 195 through the leads 397, 298, 408 and 410 to the coil 236 todraw the contact 231 into engagement with the contact 235 so that 3%inches of paper would be advanced between the printing of the printsshown in FIG. 5a and printing of the prints shown in FIG. 5b.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that any combination of patternsof prints shown in FIGS. a-f may be printed for any single negative andthat the print paper 43 will automatically be advanced the proper amountfor printing of the next pattern of prints immediately adjacent thepreviously printed pattern of prints to thereby avoid expenditure ofexcessive trimming time and waste of printing paper.

Various modifications and changes may be made with regard to theforegoing detailed description without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

I claim:

1. Photographic printing apparatus for printing a series of patterns ofprints, said apparatus comprising:

acabinet; a film carrier on said cabinet for positioning film; printingpaper support means for positioning a supply of printing paper;

light means for projecting a beam of light along an optical axis throughsaid film and onto said printmg paper;

first means for selective positioning in said optical axis to project afirst pattern of exposure light onto a first area of said printing paperto print a first pattern of prints occupying a first length of saidprinting paper;

second means for selective positioning in said optical axis to project asecond pattern of light onto a second area of printing paper to print asecond pattern of prints occupying a second length of said printingpaper;

printing paper advance means connected with said light means, printingpaper support and said first and second means, said advance means beingoperative to advance said printing paper said first and second lengthsof printing paper; and

control means connected with said advance means and responsive to saidfirst means moving into said optical axis and actuation of said lightmeans to actuate said advance means to automatically advance saidprinting paper said first length and to said second means being movedinto saidv axis and actuation of said light means to actuate saidadvance means to advance said printing paper said second length.

2. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidsecond paper length is a predetermined distance shorter than said firstpaper length and wherein:

said second means includes a first mask mounted from said cabinet on oneside of said optical axis for movement a first distance into saidoptical axis for blocking light projection onto said predetermineddistance of said print paper and said apparatus includes:

mask control means responsive to movement of said second means into saidoptical axis to move said mask said first distance into said opticalaxis.

3. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 thatincludes:

first and second counter units connected with said light means and saidrespective first and second means and including respective first andsecond selector means for selecting different numbers of said first andsecond patterns of prints; and

said control means is connected with said counter units and is saidprinting paper advance and responsive to a selection of a sequence of apair of said first patterns of prints and to printing of the first ofsaid pair of first patterns to advance said printing paper said firstlength for printing of the second of said pairs of first patterns andresponsive to a selection of a sequence of said first pattern and asecond pattern of prints and to printing of said first pattern of saidsequence to advance said paper a third length for printing thereon ofsaid second pattern of said sequence.

4. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said first and second means includes respective first and second lenssets and a movable lens mount mounting said lens sets for selectedmovement into said optical axis.

5. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said first means includes lens means for projecting a plurality ofimages onto said print paper; and

said second means includes a mask for movement into said optical axis toblock projection of certain ones of said images onto said print paper.

6. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 2 thatincludes:

third means for selective positioning in said optical axis to project athird pattern of light onto said print paper for printing a thirdpattern of pictures on a third length of print paper which is a selecteddistance shorter than said first length; and

said control means is responsive to selection of said third means beingmoved into said optical axis to move said first mask a second distanceinto said optical axis for blocking light projection onto said selecteddistance.

7. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 2 thatincludes:

third means for selective positioning in said optical axis to project athird pattern of light onto said print paper for printing a thirdpattern of pictures on a third length of print paper which is a selecteddistance shorter than said first length;

a second mask mounted on the side of said optical axis opposite said oneside for movement a second distance into said optical axis for blockinglight projection to a length of said printing paper which is sufficientwhen added to said predetermined distance to equal said selecteddistance; and

said mask control means is responsive to movement of said third meansinto said optical axis to move said first mask said first distance andsaid second mask said second distance.

8. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 3 thatincludes:

third means for movement into said optical axis to project a thirdpattern of images onto a fourth length of said printing paper to print athird pattern of prints on said printing paper;

a third counter unit connected with said light means and said controlmeans and including selector means for selecting different numbers ofthird patterns of prints; and

said control means is connected with said third counter unit and saidprinting paper advance and is responsive to selection of a sequence offirst and third patterns of prints to move a selected length of printpaper into said optical axis for printing of said third pattern and toselection of a sequence of second and third patterns of prints to move adifferent length of print paper into said optical axis. 9. Photographicprinting apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein:

said control means is responsive to selection of a sequence of two ofsaid second patterns of prints to move said second length of printingpaper into said optical axis for printing of the second of said secondpatterns. 10. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 3wherein:

said control means is responsive to selection of a sequence of a secondpattern and then a first pattern of prints to move a fourth length ofprint paper into said optical axis. 11. Photographic printing apparatusas set forth in claim 1 that includes:

third means for selective positioning in said optical axis to project apattern of images onto a third area of said printing paper to print athird pattern of prints occupying a third length of said print paper;package selection means for selecting a selected combination of saidfirst, second and third means for consecutive disposition in saidoptical axis and wherein; said film carrier includes means forpositioning a strip of film including a first and second negative andsaid apparatus includes; film advance means for retaining said firstfilm negative in said optical axis while the selected combination ofsaid first, second and third patterns of prints are printed and for thenadvancing said film strip to dispose said second negative in saidoptical axis; and

logic means responsive to selection of said first and I tern of printsfrom said second negative andresponsive to selection of said first andthird pattern of prints and printing of said first pattern of prints forsaid first negative to advance a selected length of paper to provide alength of unexposed print paper of said first length for printing afirst pattern of prints from said second negative.

12. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein:

said logic means includes electrical circuitry including switch meansresponsive to selection of a combination of said first and secondpatterns of prints and printing of said second pattern of prints to setup a first circuit path to said paper advance means and responsive toselection of a combination of said first and third patterns of printsand printing of said third pattern of prints to set up a second circuitpath to said paper advance means.

13. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in clai ll herein:

sar d logic means includes means responsive to selection of acombination of said first and third patterns of prints and to printingof said third patterns of prints to advance a desired length of paper toprovide a length of said printing paper of said first length forprinting of said first pattern of prints from said second negative.

1. Photographic printing apparatus for printing a series of patterns ofprints, said apparatus comprising: a cabinet; a film carrier on saidcabinet for positioning film; printing paper support means forpositioning a supply of printing paper; light means for projecting abeam of light along an optical axis through said film and onto saidprinting paper; first means for selective positioning in said opticalaxis to project a first pattern of exposure light onto a first area ofsaid printing paper to print a first pattern of prints occupying a firstlength of said printing paper; second means for selective positioning insaid optical axis to project a second pattern of light onto a secondarea of printing paper to print a second pattern of prints occupying asecond length of said printing paper; printing paper advance meansconnected with said light means, printing paper support and said firstand second means, said advance means being operative to advance saidprinting paper said first and second lengths of printing paper; andcontrol means connected with said advance means and responsive to saidfirst means moving into said optical axis and actuation of said lightmeans to actuate said advance means to automatically advance saidprinting paper said first length and to said second means being movedinto said axis and actuation of said light means to actuate said advancemeans to advance said printing paper said second length.
 2. Photographicprinting apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second paperlength is a predetermined distance shorter than said first paper lengthand wherein: said second means includes a first mask mounted from saidcabinet on one side of said optical axis for movement a first distanceinto said optical axis for blocking light projection onto saidpredetermined distance of said print paper and said apparatus includes:mask control means responsive to movement of said second means into saidoptical axis to move said mask said first distance into said opticalaxis.
 3. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 thatincludes: first and second counter units connected with said light meansand said respective first and second means and including respectivefirst and second selector means for selecting different numbers of saidfirst and second patterns of prints; and said control means is connectedwith said counter units and is said printing paper advance andresponsive to a selection of a sequence of a pair of said first patternsof prints and to printing of the first of said pair of first patterns toadvance said printing paper said first length for printing of the secondof said pairs of first patterns and responsive to a selection of asequence of said first pattern and a second pattern of prints and toprinting of said first pattern of said sequence to advance said paper athird length for printing thereon of said second pattern of saidsequence.
 4. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 1wherein: said first and second means includes respective first andsecond lens sets and a movable lens mount mounting said lens sets forselected movement into said optical axis.
 5. Photographic printingapparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said first means includeslens means for projecting a plurality of images onto said print paper;and said second means includes a mask for movement into said opticalaxis to block projection of certain ones of said images onto said printpaper.
 6. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 2 thatincludes: third means for selective positioning in said optical axis toproject a third pattern of light onto said print paper for printing athird pattern of pictures on a third length of print paper which is aselected distance shorter than said first length; and said control meansis responsive to selection of said third means being moved into saidoptical axis to move said first mask a second distance into said opticalaxis for blocking light projection onto said selected distance. 7.Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 2 that includes:third means for selective positioning in said optical axis to project athird pattern of light onto said print paper for printing a thirdpattern of pictures on a third length of print paper which is a selecteddistance shorter than said first length; a second mask mounted on theside of said optical axis opposite said one side for movement a seconddistance into said optical axis for blocking light projection to alength of said printing paper which is sufficient when added to saidpredetermined distance to equal said selected distance; and said maskcontrol means is responsive to movement of said third means into saidoptical axis to move said first mask said first distance and said secondmask said second distance.
 8. Photographic printing apparatus as setforth in claim 3 that includes: third means for movement into saidoptical axis to project a third pattern of images onto a fourth lengthof said printing paper to print a third pattern of prints on saidprinting paper; a third counter unit connected with said light means andsaid control means and including selector means for selecting differentnumbers of third patterns of prints; and said control means is connectedwith said third counter unit and said printing paper advance and isresponsive to selection of a sequence of first and third patterns ofprints to move a selected length of print paper into said optical axisfor printing of said third pattern and to selection of a sequence ofsecond and third patterns of prints to move a different length of printpaper into said optical axis.
 9. Photographic printing apparatus as setforth in claim 3 wherein: said control means is responsive to selectionof a sequence of two of said second patterns of prints to move saidsecond length of printing paper into said optical axis for printing ofthe second of said second patterns.
 10. Photographic printing apparatusas set forth in claim 3 wherein: said control means is responsive toselection of a sequence of a second pattern and then a first pattern ofprints to move a fourth length of print paper into said optical axis.11. Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 thatincludes: third means for selective positioning in said optical axis toproject a pattern of images onto a third area of said printing paper toprint a third pattern of prints occupying a third length of said printpaper; package selection means for selecting a selected combination ofsaid first, second and third means for consecutive dispositioN in saidoptical axis and wherein; said film carrier includes means forpositioning a strip of film including a first and second negative andsaid apparatus includes; film advance means for retaining said firstfilm negative in said optical axis while the selected combination ofsaid first, second and third patterns of prints are printed and for thenadvancing said film strip to dispose said second negative in saidoptical axis; and logic means responsive to selection of said first andsecond pattern of prints and printing of said second pattern of printsfor said first negative to advance a selected length of paper to providea length of unexposed printing paper of said first length in saidoptical axis for printing of a first pattern of prints from said secondnegative and responsive to selection of said first and third pattern ofprints and printing of said first pattern of prints for said firstnegative to advance a selected length of paper to provide a length ofunexposed print paper of said first length for printing a first patternof prints from said second negative.
 12. Photographic printing apparatusas set forth in claim 11 wherein: said logic means includes electricalcircuitry including switch means responsive to selection of acombination of said first and second patterns of prints and printing ofsaid second pattern of prints to set up a first circuit path to saidpaper advance means and responsive to selection of a combination of saidfirst and third patterns of prints and printing of said third pattern ofprints to set up a second circuit path to said paper advance means. 13.Photographic printing apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein: saidlogic means includes means responsive to selection of a combination ofsaid first and third patterns of prints and to printing of said thirdpatterns of prints to advance a desired length of paper to provide alength of said printing paper of said first length for printing of saidfirst pattern of prints from said second negative.